The clock's chiming promptly landed a feeling of disappointment in the pit of the witch's stomach. It wasn't fair; she knew Elladora would be caught up in family affairs and so would she.

Evalina let out a gasp of delight – an odd sound to perhaps hear come from the socialite, seeing as the appearance she affected most often in society was that of eternal placid contentment. "Venice," she said, her voice definite as her eyes followed Elladora's hand along her arm. "We can take one of those gondola trips by ourselves."

She could just imagine it. It would be both of them in one of the most beautiful cities in the world without anyone to walk in on them. Sure, Evalina had made it clear to her staff that no one was to come in here unless they wanted immediate expulsion without references (and a serious memory charm), but she relished in the idea of being in adjacent rooms with only a few of their most trusted staff. "We'd finally be alone." she murmured, reaching up to cradle Ella's face in her palm.